Spiritual Chess: A Struggle Against Principalities

As people living out our daily lives, our decisions, actions, and attitudes are like pieces in a game of chess.  When we are faced with overwhelming decisions and life changes that seem impossible, hard, or even if our heart is simply not feeling our circumstances,  we have to carefully and strategically decide how we will react.

Just like a game of chess, our moves and motives must be thoughtfully pondered before acting so that we ensure we make the right decision according to God’s will and plan for our life.  Otherwise, we may experience a setback, feel defeated and discouraged.

In life, we have a daily choice to make and that decision is to live by the spirit following in the will of God or by the flesh following in our own will.   When we follow by our own will we are bound for destruction, heartache, and even hurt by our own motives because we thought we knew what would be best for us and our circumstances.

Ephesians 6:12 tells us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

If you have ever been in a situation where you want to react in hate, anger, irrationally, or even feel confused then you have struggled against the rulers of this world.  These forces of evil strive on our reactions and gloat over our fall and shortcomings.  They look for weak moments and slyly creep in our lives attempting to catch us off guard.  We have to remember that the enemy is crafty and cunning and this is why we are warned by Paul in Ephesians 6:10-18 to put on the full armor of God.

But, I have good news.  Do you want to know what is?

In Christ, we are free and have won because of His death on the cross so that we may live life abundantly. 

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Although we may feel like pawns in this game of spiritual chess, it is crucial that we take our feelings, emotions, and motives and test them against scripture and God’s promises.  There is no place better to be than in the perfect will of our Sovereign God.   If your situation or emotions trouble you, then it troubles Jesus.   Take them to the LORD and let Him guide you where you need to be.

In 1 Corinthians 10:13 “we are told that no temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Jesus gives us Life. Love. Joy. Peace. 

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV | But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.

With Him, we always win.  

It won’t always be easy, it will be hard at times but it will be worth playing the game and allowing God to have His way with your life. 

Pray up, Saints! Just because you have made the decision in your heart to believe in Christ, it doesn’t mean that you are exempt from this game of chess.

You are still in the game. 

Personal Reflection

In what way have you been allowing the enemy to play a role in your life?

How can you continue to draw closer to the LORD in your daily walk?

What is Jesus calling you to do or lay at His feet today?

Dear Heavenly Father, 

I come before you with praise, thanking you for being such a kind, loving, and gracious God to your servant.  Teach me to know your ways and to test the spirits before I react.  Prick my spirit when I am allowing the wrong thoughts, emotions, or motives that go against You and the call You have on my life.  Remove from me anything this is keeping me from knowing you more intimately and keeping me outside of your will.   In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen. 

With all of love & encouragement,

Hannah Boyd

Picture Credit goes to: Photo by sk on Unsplash